Biography

Born May 14, 1947 in Pana, she was the only child of Albert and Bonnie (Milam) Martin. Her parents preceded her in death.

A 1965 graduate of Robinson High School, she was a 1969 graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor's degree in Education. She also completed graduate work at Illinois State University and Eastern Illinois University.

Early in her career Pepper was a PE/Health teacher at Robinson Jr. High School and at Robinson Sr. High School for two years. She then worked as a graduate assistant in PE at Illinois State University for a year. Pepper also had worked as a substitute teacher and coach in Robinson, Oblong and Cumberland.

From 1972 to 1975, Pepper was a PE/Health teacher at Lake Land College and the Head Women's' Volleyball and Basketball Coach there. The majority of her teaching career was spent at Pekin Community High School, where she taught PE/Health and Driver's Education from 1979 until retiring in 2004. While at PCHS Coach Martin was the head coach of Girls' Basketball from 1979 to 1986.

Pepper had a passion for athletics and was recognized in 2008 at Eastern Illinois University's celebration honoring "EIU Pioneers in Women's Athletics" for her accomplishments as a high school and college athlete. She also was a former All-state softball player for the Shelbyville Impalas.

Her memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

There will be a private family interment of the Cremated Remains in the Hardinville Cemetery, Hardinville, Illinois near her hometown of Robinson, Illinois at a later date. Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, Illinois is in charge of the local arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554. Taps was chosen because of Pepper's love for animals.

Reba Inboden

I remember watching Pepper play softball for Norm's Aces in Robinson about 45 or so years ago. She was such a talented athlete and seemed to be a very nice lady. I have many fond memories of watching her play and am so sorry to hear of her passing.

11/19/2012

Pierrette (Boyer) Downer

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to your family. Pepper no doubt touched countless lives by the love and concern she showed for others. God promises to remember such right-hearted ones. At John 5:28, 29 it says that, "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." Please find comfort in knowing that we have the prospect of seeing her in a world where there is no pain and no tears. - Rev 21:4

10/31/2012

Bob Davis

It's been 45 years but I remember her fondly.

10/31/2012

Kathy Davis-Richardson

I am so sorry to here about Carol's passing. She was an exceptional person who really cared about you. I will never forget her and her love for animals.

10/24/2012

Sharon Ridgway Adkins

Pepper was one of my softball coaches. She was such a joy to be around.

10/24/2012

Donna Ridgway

I knew Pepper from her days of playing with the Aces and coaching after that. She was always so much fun and shared so many laughs.